New Zealand rugby player dies from head injuries

The New Zealand rugby community is mourning the death of a player who suffered head injuries during a club rugby game in Auckland on Saturday.

Tongan-born Takapuna player Viliami "Willie" Halaifonua, 27, died in Auckland City Hospital on Tuesday night after he suffered a brain bleed following knocks to the head during a match between Takapuna and Massey at the Onewa club grounds.

Chairman of the Takapuna Rugby Football Club, Simon Cheesman told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program a number of rugby organisations are getting behind the Takapuna club.

"I've had messages of support from everywhere," he said.

"Our first aim is to support Willie's family as they go through preparations for saying goodbye to Willie. We as a club will work with the wider community on supporting Willie's family at this time."

Mr Cheesman says, with the help of the New Zealand Rugby Foundation, they've established a trust fund in Willie's name for his family, including his partner and two children.

Soon after he was announced player of the day, Willie fell unconscious and was rushed to Auckland City Hospital where he underwent brain surgery.

He later died in hospital, surrounded by his partner and children, and members of the Takapuna Rugby Football Club.

Willie's mother and sister, who were flying from Tonga to Auckland, were unable to reach him in time.

Mr Cheesman says it's personally very difficult.

"In my 45 years of involvement from playing rugby to management of rugby to administration of rugby it would have to be the worst time I've been through."

Mr Cheesman says 'Big Willie', as he is known to friends and family, was a very humble man.

"(He) loved his children, loved his partner and his family, loved playing rugby... (and he) had really gone from strength to strength for the Takapuna premier side this year."

Lisa Kingi, CEO of the New Zealand Rugby Foundation - a support organisation for injured rugby players - says an incident like this is rare.

"This very, very sad occurrence is only the second case of head injury in the the rugby foundation's 25 year history," she said.

New Zealand Rugby Union and North Harbour Rugby Union will conduct a full review of the game.